Disappointment in the Mark Levinson
#1
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Disappointment in the Mark Levinson
Is anyone disappointed in the Mark Levinson radio in the 2013/14 ES 300h? I've come from a 2010 Acura TL Tech with the ELS system and had great expectations for the ML. But in the first week of ownership I was convinced something was wrong with the sound system. It was pleasant enough but had no punch to it and seemed to lack dynamic range. No solid lows or sparkling highs I had enjoyed in the TL.
By the time I returned to the dealer for my first inspection I asked them to check it out and even provided a CD. They said it was working okay and even brought an identical model to mine into the bay for comparison. I had to acknowledge that it sounded the same but pointed out some instrumental parts in the music that were lacking. The technician agreed with me but insisted that there was no problem with the radio.
So now after 2 months I still feel that the ML doesn't live up to the hype that I've read in past reviews. Be interested in your experiences with the radio. BTW I'm aware of the amplifier problem from last year's model but I am not experiencing distortion. Just anemic sound.
By the time I returned to the dealer for my first inspection I asked them to check it out and even provided a CD. They said it was working okay and even brought an identical model to mine into the bay for comparison. I had to acknowledge that it sounded the same but pointed out some instrumental parts in the music that were lacking. The technician agreed with me but insisted that there was no problem with the radio.
So now after 2 months I still feel that the ML doesn't live up to the hype that I've read in past reviews. Be interested in your experiences with the radio. BTW I'm aware of the amplifier problem from last year's model but I am not experiencing distortion. Just anemic sound.
#2
I feel the same, it's good, but not stellar. When on Satellite radio, I think the sound come too much from the center which sound unbalanced, on other source like the bluetooth, it sound better.
#3
Any stereo will sound it best after you adjust the setting using a music CD as a reference.
Anything that changes after that is the source material's blame not the stereo.
Anything that changes after that is the source material's blame not the stereo.
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Bear in mind that the ML Audio varies idely in quality depending on the model. Its much better in say the LS...in the ES its never been incredible...I had it in the 03, didn't bother with the 2010 and thought the audio in the 2010 was just as good as the ML in the 2003.
I also didn't bother on the GS.
I also didn't bother on the GS.
#5
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Bear in mind that the ML Audio varies idely in quality depending on the model. Its much better in say the LS...in the ES its never been incredible...I had it in the 03, didn't bother with the 2010 and thought the audio in the 2010 was just as good as the ML in the 2003.
I also didn't bother on the GS.
I also didn't bother on the GS.
True.
I had ML in an '08 GS and '12 ES350 UL and wasn't impressed at all.
In an LS,a much different story.
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Acura seems to have a great system, I've heard this complaint before from people coming from Acuras.
I think part of it may be that the Acura system, say a Bose system or a JBL system has a more "American rock & roll" sound. The ML is a more "classical" sound. I have a coworker who has a GX with the ML, and he's a huge jazz and classical guy and he says the ML is the best system that he's ever had in a car and LOVES it. I've never been hugely impressed, even in the LS (my dad's 04 had ML). I actually miss the old Lexus Nakamichi system. That was the best audio I've had in a car.
The issue may be that for the sort of music we're listening to, the ML falls short.
I think part of it may be that the Acura system, say a Bose system or a JBL system has a more "American rock & roll" sound. The ML is a more "classical" sound. I have a coworker who has a GX with the ML, and he's a huge jazz and classical guy and he says the ML is the best system that he's ever had in a car and LOVES it. I've never been hugely impressed, even in the LS (my dad's 04 had ML). I actually miss the old Lexus Nakamichi system. That was the best audio I've had in a car.
The issue may be that for the sort of music we're listening to, the ML falls short.
#7
I agree with everybody, the ML is a mediocre system. I had it on my 2007 and it was the same, no improvements over 7 years. It was packaged with my Ultra Luxury model otherwise I would not have wanted it.
Trending Topics
#9
Keep in mind that the tone settings are all separate. You have different settings for FM, Satellite, USB Media, etc. So, if you have not already done so, check and adjust the settings while in each mode separately. I have the ML system in my 2006 GS and my 2013 ES300h and am very happy with the audio quality since I have adjusted the settings to my taste. I also had an LS with ML and find them all to be good.
#10
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Acura seems to have a great system, I've heard this complaint before from people coming from Acuras.
I think part of it may be that the Acura system, say a Bose system or a JBL system has a more "American rock & roll" sound. The ML is a more "classical" sound. I have a coworker who has a GX with the ML, and he's a huge jazz and classical guy and he says the ML is the best system that he's ever had in a car and LOVES it. I've never been hugely impressed, even in the LS (my dad's 04 had ML). I actually miss the old Lexus Nakamichi system. That was the best audio I've had in a car.
The issue may be that for the sort of music we're listening to, the ML falls short.
I think part of it may be that the Acura system, say a Bose system or a JBL system has a more "American rock & roll" sound. The ML is a more "classical" sound. I have a coworker who has a GX with the ML, and he's a huge jazz and classical guy and he says the ML is the best system that he's ever had in a car and LOVES it. I've never been hugely impressed, even in the LS (my dad's 04 had ML). I actually miss the old Lexus Nakamichi system. That was the best audio I've had in a car.
The issue may be that for the sort of music we're listening to, the ML falls short.
#11
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Keep in mind that the tone settings are all separate. You have different settings for FM, Satellite, USB Media, etc. So, if you have not already done so, check and adjust the settings while in each mode separately. I have the ML system in my 2006 GS and my 2013 ES300h and am very happy with the audio quality since I have adjusted the settings to my taste. I also had an LS with ML and find them all to be good.
#12
Intermediate
iTrader: (1)
I had the ML in my IS-F and did not care for it at all. I would definitely not pay for it in an upgrade specifically.
#13
Could people share what are their settings to make it sound good on the satellite radio in the ES?
I have tryied lot of settings, and I feel the sound still come too much from the center of the front console. I don't know why they did not put any tweeter on the front door.
I have tryied lot of settings, and I feel the sound still come too much from the center of the front console. I don't know why they did not put any tweeter on the front door.
#14
Could people share what are their settings to make it sound good on the satellite radio in the ES?
I have tryied lot of settings, and I feel the sound still come too much from the center of the front console. I don't know why they did not put any tweeter on the front door.
I have tryied lot of settings, and I feel the sound still come too much from the center of the front console. I don't know why they did not put any tweeter on the front door.
#15
Could people share what are their settings to make it sound good on the satellite radio in the ES?
I have tryied lot of settings, and I feel the sound still come too much from the center of the front console. I don't know why they did not put any tweeter on the front door.
I have tryied lot of settings, and I feel the sound still come too much from the center of the front console. I don't know why they did not put any tweeter on the front door.
Those fronts seem pretty easy to get to. (Still researching that myself)
There is a thread here about that.